2000 Hyundai Sonata

Above average

Owners filed 276 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the structure › frame and members. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
105,000 milesMedian miles at failure

176 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000150,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure › Frame and Members79
000
Suspension23
000
Suspension › Front18
100
Air Bags17
406
Air Bags › Frontal12
805
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline11
000
Electrical System11
020
Engine and Engine Cooling9
010
Power Train › Automatic Transmission7
000
Suspension › Rear6
100

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Suspension09V124000
Filed Apr 16, 2009188,282 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 188,282 MY 2001-2004 SONATA AND MY 2001-2004 XG300 AND XG350 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. ROAD SALT APPLIED IN THESE JURISDICTIONS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS MAY RESULT IN PROGRESSIVE, INTERNAL CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME ON THE VEHICLES, AND MAY RESULT IN THINNING OR PERFORATION OF THE SUB-FRAME STEEL. THE CORROSION IS FREQUENTLY VISIBLE AND OFTEN DISCOVERED DURING INSPECTION OR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, AND OWNERS MAY ALSO HEAR NOISES OR NOTICE TIRE MISALIGNMENT AND STEERING PULL. IF THESE SIGNALS ARE UNDETECTED OR UNHEEDED, THE CORROSION MAY PROGRESS AND THE FORWARD MOUNTING OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY DETACH FROM THE SUB-FRAME.

Risk. IF THAT HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE MAY LOSE DRIVE POWER TO THE WHEELS, AND THE FRONT WHEEL MAY MAKE CONTACT WITH THE FENDER OR WHEEL WELL, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL MEASURE THE THICKNESS OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME AND INSPECT THE FRONT SUB-FRAME FOR CORROSION DAMAGE AND, IF NECESSARY, THE FRONT SUB-FRAME WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW SUB-FRAME THAT INCORPORATES ADDITIONAL HOLES IN THE UPPER AND LOWER PANELS. IF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME DOES NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT, THE DEALER WILL ADD DRAINAGE HOLES TO THE SUB-FRAME AND WILL TREAT THE SUB-FRAME WITH RUST-PROOFING MATERIAL TO STOP THE CORROSION PROCESS. THIS PROCEDURE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.

Air Bags › Side/Window02V105000
Filed Apr 9, 2002145,355 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, AN INTERMITTENT CONDITION THAT LEADS TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION COULD RESULT FROM MOTION OF THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS AND SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR WHICH MOUNT TO THE ADJUSTABLE SEAT CUSHION ASSEMBLY. THIS CONDITION ONLY RELATES TO THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS AND COULD PREVENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT DURING A CRASH WHERE SUCH DEPLOYMENT SHOULD OCCUR.

Risk. NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE SRS SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY DURING A SIDE IMPACT CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL MORE SECURELY FASTEN THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG WIRING HARNESSES AND CONNECTORS TO THE VEHICLE'S FRONT SEAT CUSHION FRAMES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 28, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.

Air Bags01V347000
Filed Nov 6, 200186,513 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT COULD ILLUMINATE DUE TO MOTION OF THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS AND SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR THAT MOUNT TO THE ADJUSTABLE SEAT CUSHION ASSEMBLY. THIS CONDITION ONLY RELATES TO THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER SEAT-MOUNTED SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG(S).

Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD PREVENT SEAT MOUNTED SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT DURING AN ACCIDENT WHERE SUCH DEPLOYMENT SHOULD OCCUR. NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE SRS SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY DURING AN ACCIDENT WHERE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IS INTENDED.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL MORE SECURELY FASTEN THE FRONT SEAT SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS AND CONNECTORS TO THE VEHICLE'S FRONT SEAT CUSHION FRAMES. OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL OCCUR IN SIX MAILINGS ON MAY 27, JUNE 3, JUNE 10, JUNE 17, JUNE 24, AND JULY 1, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.

Electrical System › Wiring00V259001
Filed Sep 11, 2000165,977 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SOME SONATA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5 LITER V-6 ENGINES AND ALL ELANTRA MODEL VEHICLES MAY HAVE EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT LOW-SPEED ENGINE STALLING, WHICH COULD OCCUR IF THE MAF (MASS AIR FLOW) SENSOR ELECTRICAL SIGNAL IS INTERRUPTED AS A RESULT OF ENGINE VIBRATION TRANSMITTED TO THE MAF SENSOR CONNECTOR WIRING HARNESS.

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL RE-ROUTE THE MAF SENSOR CONNECTOR WIRING HARNESS.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Mar 24, 2022CA

Rt passenger side wheel clunks when turning, loud noise when moving took to dealer they found nothing wrong. I returned to dealer again a couple weeks later to confirm my a arm needs repairs, safety issues airbag’s light remaining lit told repairs not available for year and make iwas told to deal with it by dealer even if it was a safety issue, driving car doesn’t matter what speed my back end sounds like it is falling apart and my car will slam out or into gear I have reviewed recalls and safety issues and I have been told that they have been closed even if my car is currently having issues with the vehicle recalls ie..slamming in and out of gear, arm issues and clunky noises on turns and driving,rear end clunk sounds like no shocks or struts

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 8, 2019170,000 milesIL

STEERING AND STABILITY UNSTABLE. MECHANIC TELLS ME THAT THE REAR SUB FRAME IS RUSTY AND CRACKED. THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS REPLACED AROUND 2010 BECAUSE OF A RECALL. WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP LOSE TRACTION AND BECOMES UNSTABLE. WANT TO KNOW IF THE REPLACEMENT FRAME HAS A WARRANTY. WANT TO KEEP THE CAR STILL RUNS GREAT. 170,000 MILES

Air Bags
Filed Jun 10, 2018FL

I UNDERSTAND THERE IS AN AIRBAG RECALL ON SOME MODEL CARS, I DRIVE A 2000 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS THAT HAS AN AIRBAG LIGHT ACTIVATED ON THE DASHBOARD. I DON'T KNOW IF THE AIRBAG IS DEFECTIVE, I SHOULD NOT DRIVE IT, OR WHAT TO DO, PLEASE ADVISE. THIS AIRBAG LITE ON THE DASHBOARD GOES ON AS SOON AS I START THE ENGINE, AND STAYS ON ALL THE TIME THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, THIS AIRBAG LIGHT DOES NOT GO OFF UNTIL I TURN THE ENGINE OFF.

Suspension
Filed Mar 10, 2017140,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO SHOP WHERE THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS A CONTROL ARM FAILURE AND RUSTED SUBFRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 27, 2017212,234 milesPA

"TAKADA RECALL " TRANSMISSION DON'T SHIFT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON IT IS SUCK IN 3RD GEAR NEXT TIME START CAR NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAR SHIFTS BUT BANGS HARD IN AND OUT OF NEXT GEAR THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND CAR IS STUCK IN THIRD GEAR.ALSO AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON ALL TIME.

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Mar 31, 2015173,000 milesTN

WHILE SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN ON SIDE ROAD, THE LOWER LEFT CONTROL ARM PULLED COMPLETELY OUT OF THE FRAME. INSPECTION AFTER FOUND LARGE HOLE RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH THE FRAME RAIL. INSPECTED RIGHT SIDE AND FRAME HAS SAME TYPE OF RUSTED AND MISSING FRAME SEGMENTS. THANKFULLY THIS HAPPENED AT LOW SPEED AND NOT ON THE INTERSTATE WHERE OUTCOME COULD HAVE BEEN VERY BAD. DOING SOME RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL FOR SEVERAL YEARS BEGINNING WITH 1999 MODEL. *TR

Suspension
Filed Mar 24, 2015NJ

2000 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE RUSTED REAR CROSS MEMBER. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED IN DECEMBER 2008, THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER BECAME RUSTED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER AS IT WAS UNDER RECALL DUE TO RUST. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR CROSS MEMBER FRAME RUSTED AND ABOUT TO BREAK APART. WHEN THE CONSUMER WENT TO THE DEALER, HE WAS INFORMED THE REAR CROSS MEMBER WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. AND THE COST TO REPLACE IT, WAS $3,000. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 5, 2014110,000 milesNY

THE FUEL TANK ON 2000 HYUNDAI SONATA IS CRACKED AND LEAKING GASOLINE. THERE IS A STRONG GAS ODOR IN THE CABIN. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND HAZMAT TEAM RESPONDED. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED IN AN EXPLOSION IF THE GAS VAPORS IGNITED. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE PREVIOUS MODEL YEAR HYUNDAI SONATA. THE FUEL TANK CAN CRACK AND LEAK GASOLINE. THAT IS WHAT HAPPENED TO MY 2000 SONATA. THE CAR IS NOW AT A DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY ARE REPLACING THE SUBRAME BECAUSE IT HAS A RECALL FOR SEVER RUST. THEY DO NOT WANT TO RECALL THE ISSUE WITH THE RUSTED, CRACKED FUEL TANK. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Nov 21, 201453,231 milesGA

AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. DEALER (TAYLOR HYUNDAI) DENIED THAT THERE WAS AN AIR BAG RECALL ON THIS MODEL. *TR

Suspension
Filed Jun 1, 201416,200 milesNY

WHEN DRIVING TO WORK THE WHEEL START TO PULL. WHEN I GOT TO WORK I TOOK A LOOK AT THE FRAME THERE WAS A 2 INCH CRACK IN ONE SIDE AND A 1/4 INCH BY 20 INCH CRACK IN THE OTHER SIDE. WHEN I TOUCH IT THE FRAME WAS ROTTEN. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 24, 2014DE

WHEN I TRY TO FILL THE VEHICLE WITH GAS IT STOPS EVERY FEW CENTS, SIMULAR TO WHEN THE GAS TANK IS FULL, EVEN WHEN IT IS ON EMPTY. IT TAKES UPWARDS OF 30-45 MINUTES TO FILL THE GAS TANK. SOMETIMES THE GAS GAUGE IS ON LOW WHEN I TRY TO FILL IT UP BUT IT STOPS FILLING SO OFTEN THAT I HAVE TO CHANGE PUMPS TO BE ABLE TO FILL MY TANK TO FULL. I HAVE ALSO HAD THE GAS SPILL OUT THE TOP OF THE TANK JUST BY TRYING TO PUT ENOUGH GAS IN MY VEHICLE TO MAKE IT HOME. I HAVE DONE QUITE A BIT OF RESEARCH ON THE ISSUE AND HAVE FOUND IT TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG HYUNDAI VEHICLE. WE BOUGHT THIS CAR TO HAVE A GOOD, RELIABLE VEHICLE FOR OUR DAUGHTER TO DRIVE. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE ALLOWING HER TO GO ON A LONG ROAD TRIP WHEN SHE HAS TO SPEND SO LONG FILLING THE CAR WITH GAS. *TR

Suspension
Filed Oct 15, 2013197,700 milesFL

WHILE DRIVING MY 2000 HYUNDAI SONATA ON GOOD ROAD AND APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT IN THE LEFT THROUGH-LANE OF A MULTILANE STREET, I MADE A QUICK STOP (NOT AND EMERGENCY STOP) WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED YELLOW. THE ROAD WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND DRY, AND THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT ABOUT 80 DEGREES F. UPON MAKING THIS STOP THE CAR PULLED UNUSUALLY SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT - IF THERE HAD BEEN A CAR IN THE RIGHT LANE, I WOULD HAVE HIT IT. AFTER THIS STOP, THE FRONT TIRE(S) MADE UNUSUAL SQUEELING NOISES UPON TURNING, AND THE STEERING FELT UNUSUAL AND SHAKEY. I DROVE THE CAR DIRECTLY (ABOUT A MILE) TO THE PLACE WE WERE VISITING IN LAS VEGAS AND THE NEXT MORNING TOOK THE CAR DIRECTLY TO A HYUNDAI DEALER. UPON INSPECTION THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION FRAME CROSSMEMBER (FRONT SUBFRAME) HAD A CORROSION HOLE THROUGH THE FRONT SUBBFRAME AND THE FRONT SUBFRAME HAD FAILED, CAUSING THE RIGHT FRONT (PASSENGER) TIRE TO MOVE OUT OF POSITION AND SITTING AT AN ANGLE. THE DEALER'S ADVICE WAS THAT THIS WAS A SAFETY PROBLEM, AND IT COULD FURTHER FAIL AND RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THEY ADVISED THAT I DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL THIS THIS FRONT SUBFRAME WAS REPLACED. THIS IS A REPLACEABLE PIECE - WHICH WAS ORDERED, AND REPLACEMENT PLANNED. THE CAR WAS LEFT WITH THE HYUNDAI DEALER, AND NOT DRIVEN FURTHER. THIS SITUATION IS ESSENTIALLY IDENTICAL TO NHTSA REFERENCE NUMBER 13V354000 FOR THE REAL SUSPENSION FOR SOME HYUNDAI VEHICLES THAT LED TO HYUNDAI RECALL CAMPAIGN 113 APPROVED IN S

Suspension
Filed Aug 19, 2013100,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED INTO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V124000 (SUSPENSION) AND CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. RETURNED BY USPS ON 10-17-2013. SECOND ATTEMPT ON 10-31-2013 FAILED. *KB

Suspension
Filed Jul 24, 201325,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE SERVICE WHEN HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE UPPER STRUT MOUNT HAD PENETRATED THROUGH THE MOUNTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 10, 2013135,136 milesNY

RUST REAR CONTROL ARM BROKE FROM SUBFRAME, MADE NOISE ENOUGH TO TAKE TO MECHANIC WHO FOUND PROBLEM WHY IS IT THAT ONLY FRONT SUBFRAME & FRONT CONTROL ARMS WERE INCLUDED IN RECALL? THE REAR PARTS ARE ALSO RUSTING.... PARTS ARE MADE FROM SAME MATERIAL = SAME PROBLEM ... THE RECALL SHOULD INCLUDE BOTH THE FRONT AND THE BACK. WHY WOULD ONLY ONE SIDE OF THE CAR RUST AND NOT THE OTHER RIDICULOUS!! *TR

Suspension
Filed Oct 14, 2012115,428 milesNY

MY HYUNDAI DEALER HAS REFUSED TO HONOR THEIR 100,000MILES, 10 YEARS WARRANTY" MANY TIMES THAT I BRING THE CAR TO BE FIXED UNDER THE WARRANTY SINCE THE CAR WAS ONLY 8YEARS OLD AND 76,000 MILES SINCE 2008. THEY REFUSE TO FIX THE PROBLEMS THAT I EXPERIENCED BY SAYING MY CAR IS NOT LISTED IN ANY RECALL CAMPAIGN. UNFORTUNATELY THIS YEAR, ON 10/11/12, I TOOK MY CAR FOR AN ANNUAL STATE INSPECTION FOR 2000 HYUNDAI SONATA AND IT FAILS THE SAFETY INSPECTION. HERE IS WHAT IT SAYS: ***VEHICLE MEMO*** VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE...REAR SUB-FRAME HAS HOLE ROTTED THROUGH... DUE TO THE CURRENT FINANCIAL SITUATION, I DON'T KNOW HOW I WILL GET THIS CAR FIXED BECAUSE THE CAR IS NOW 115,000MILES AND 12 YEARS OLD AND I DON'T KNOW IF THEY WILL FIX IT. THEY HAVE CONTINUOUSLY REFUSED TO FIX MY CAR UNDER WARRANTY EVEN WHEN IT WAS CLEARLY WITHIN THE WARRANTY PERIOD AND I WAS LUCKY THEN THAT I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PAY THE FIXES OUT OF POCKET BUT I DON'T HAVE THE LUXURY OF PAYING OUT OF POCKET THIS TIME. I AM IN NEED OF MIRACLES NOW. *TR

Suspension
Filed Sep 7, 2012OH

WHILE DRIVING OUR 2000 HYUNDAI SONATA MY HUSBAND'S SONATA CAME TO AN SCREECHING HALT IN WHICH HE ALMOST LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. FORTUNATELY, HE WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. ONCE OUT OF THE VEHICLE, IT WAS VERY APPARENT THAT THE AXLE HAD BROKEN AND THE DRIVERS FRONT WHEEL HAD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS RELOCATED TO THE NEAREST HYUNDAI DEALER. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE DAMAGE WAS FROM HYUNDAI'S FRONT SUB FRAME CORROSION TREATMENT (CORROSION CLASS ACTION CC1) GROUP-CAMPAIGN, NUMBER 11-01-038 DATE-OCTOBER, 2011. THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANY RECORD THAT THIS RECALL NOTICE WAS SENT TO OUR HOME OF ADDRESS. *TR

Suspension
Filed Jul 10, 2012220,000 milesIA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR TIRE MAINTENANCE, THE FRONT SUBFRAME LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS FOUND TO BE CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 220,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 25, 2012133,000 milesNY

GAS LIGHT DON'T WORK, THE ODOMETER DON'T WORK, WHEN IT RAINS THE CAR LIGHTS DIME AND THE CAR ALMOST DIES... *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 2, 2012165,285 milesWI

I WAS HEADING EASTBOUND GOING ABOUT 40 MPH. AN SUV WAS HEADING WESTBOUND AND ABOUT TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. THE SUV STRUCK MY VEHICLE AND TOTALED THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I AM SUPPOSED TO HAVE SIDE AND FRONT AIRBAGS. I AM LUCKY I WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT BECAUSE OTHER THAN THAT, I HAD NO OTHER PROTECTION. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. *TR

20 of 276 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2011
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20263100Routine
202516000Routine
202446100Routine
202386200Routine
202292300Routine
2021131400Routine
2020178410Routine
2019161060Routine
20183721131Fatalities reported
20177633111Fatalities reported
20167256281Fatalities reported
20151,1449482Do not drive
20147457400High concern
20131,9099971Fatalities reported
20121,5568951Fatalities reported
20113,376141123Fatalities reported
2010345232Fatalities reported
20094602110Above average
20084255110Above average
2007696760Above average
20061,0471191Fatalities reported
2005165120Routine
2004202120Above average
2003199620Routine
2002319740Above average
2001205300Above average
2000 — this page276490Above average
1999124430Routine
199849100Routine
199749211Fatalities reported
199623101Fatalities reported
199566210Routine
19943100Routine
199326100Routine
199222100Routine
199129160Routine
199016300Routine

Compare every Sonata year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 16, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.